Courts / Kildare / Report

Jury deliberating in trial of murder accused who said he acted in self defence

Summary

A jury of twelve, consisting of three men and nine women, is deliberating a verdict in the murder trial of Ryan Kearney, 39, who stabbed Jeffrey Jackson, 50, to death in a Co Kildare apartment on 8 February 2024. Kearney has pleaded not guilty, claiming he acted in self‑defence. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, instructed the jury to decide whether the killing was murder, manslaughter or a lawfully justified homicide. He explained that if the jury believes Kearney honestly believed he was defending himself and that the force used was reasonable, the verdict should be not guilty. If the force was deemed excessive, the verdict could be not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. If the defence of self‑defence is rejected, the jury must consider a partial defence of provocation. The jury is required to reach a unanimous verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in trial of murder accused who said he acted in self defence. Charges or matters: murdering Jeffrey Jackson (50) at The Lamps, School Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare on February 8, 2024. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 8, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-07-03 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report